SMWC among best 2014 online programs

Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College (SMWC) is listed among the top programs nationally in the just released U.S. News and World Report’s 2014 Best Online Undergraduate Programs and best online graduate business programs rankings. SMWC’s Woods Online is recognized as one of the best undergraduate online program as well as the Master of Leadership Development for best online graduate business programs. The exclusive list includes rankings of more than 300 schools nationwide.

“As one of the pioneers in distance education, we are proud to be recognized as one of the top online programs in two categories,” said Dottie King, Ph.D., president of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College.

The College’s success in online education comes from having a brick and mortar institution to add credibility to the program. The same faculty who teach in the undergraduate campus program also teach the online courses. “We place a large emphasis on emulating what we do on campus in our undergraduate online program,” King said. “Our success comes from a blend of technology, faculty accessibility and meaningful interaction.”

Additionally, SMWC’s diverse online learning technologies and formats allow greater flexibility for students to take classes from a distance. As part of its online course offerings, SMWC provides recorded audio, video and tablet applications. Online students have complete access to online tutoring, career placement assistance, digitized library materials and technical support. The 8-week or 16-week courses also help to accommodate the students’ lifestyle and learning style.

In the 40 years since it introduced its distance education program, SMWC has educated active military and veteran students. Currently, the College has students in 33 states enrolled in Woods Online and includes women and men.

Different from an MBA, the Master of Leadership Development (MLD) focuses students on critical areas of leadership, team effectiveness, power and relationships, strategic planning and communication – one that emphasizes principles, not positions.

“We are very pleased to receive this national recognition,” said Susan Decker, director of the master of leadership development program. “With classes like ethical decision-making and creative leadership, MLD takes it to the next level. Our graduates not only change the way organizations think about leadership, they change the way leaders think about leadership.”

Decker adds that these leaders gain the management and technical skills necessary to advance in their careers and successfully guide their organization into the future.

This interdisciplinary program is designed for business, not-for-profit and public sector professionals and can be completed in one year. Based on a cohort model, the program is tailored to financial, not-for-profit, organizational or individualized leadership.

With this new twist on leadership, these students are creating ripples in many prominent companies. Employees from Duke Energy, General Electric, Hawker Beechcraft, Sony, Union Hospital, Wellpoint and a whole charge of forces from Eli Lilly have seized this opportunity.